Sterling Meetinghouse News

By Danielle Ray, Senior Reporter 

Chocksett Middle School eighth grader Jordan D’Amelio, age 14, is poised to make a big impact in the community as a class of 2021 Project 351 Ambassador. 

“I have always wanted to make a difference in the world and being selected to be an ambassador is the biggest honor I have ever had,” Jordan said. 

Jordan’s principal Chris LaBreck contacted her and her parents at the beginning of the year and gave them all the good news that he and her teachers had chosen her to represent Sterling. 

Project 351 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was launched in 2011 under then-Governor Deval Patrick as a one-day celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., statewide unity, and youth leadership. One year later, Governor Patrick convened the second class of ambassadors to celebrate Dr. King and kick-off a 12-month leadership journey, and it has continued since then. 

Named for the 351 cities and towns in the state, Project 351 unites eighth grade ambassadors, one from every city and town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The ambassadors participate in a year of leadership development, enrichment, and impact through service opportunities. The program’s motto is ‘Uniting Massachusetts through youth service and leadership.’

Wachusett Regional School District Class of 2021 ambassadors were introduced at the Jan. 25 virtual school committee meeting – Ekaavli Daga is representing Holden, Leighla Boucher Paxton, Charlie Doyle is representing Princeton, Emma Day Rutland, and Jordan is representing Sterling. 

This is the eleventh year for Project 351, with a modified program in response to COVID-19. The ambassadors’ journey began in February with their enrollment in Service Leadership Academy, a four-week online program that focuses on team building and civic engagement with inspirational special guests.

Jordan said Project 351 launch day on March 7, even though it was virtual over video call, “was exhilarating and inspiring.”

“It gave me a good summary of the year in this organization ahead of me,” she said. “Many special guests, including Governor Baker, spoke at launch day, making the experience all the better.”

Jordan is hitting the ground running and is already in the process of organizing a Cradles to Crayons clothing drive at her school. 

“Knowing that some kids do not have the basic necessities like food and clothing, it breaks my heart, so one of my goals is to supply kids with what they need,” she said. 

Jordan will juggle her Project 351 duties with school and being a student athlete and her other activities, interests, and community outreach. 

“I love sports like soccer, track, and snowboarding,” she said, “I do student council, peer leader, Y.A.H.O.O. [Young Adults Helping out Others] volunteering and drama club. Some of my other hobbies include painting, writing music, playing different instruments, journalism, and biking to hang out with friends.   

Jordan said when her family, especially her mom and dad, found out she had been selected to be an ambassador they were “overwhelmed with pride” for her and her accomplishment. 

“My mentor, Mrs. Melanson, and my teachers were excited and congratulated me,” she said. “The program is all about leadership, kindness, and service. I am excited and grateful to be chosen.”